Ensuring stable and high yields of maize holds immense significance for global food security. However, the frequent occurrence of diseases and insects severely restricts the enhancement of maize yield, and poses a significant challenge to sustainable agricultural development. Resistance breeding for diseases and insects, as the core direction of maize breeding, is not only directly related to the improvement of yield and quality but also serves as a key driver for the transformation and upgrading of the maize industry. This paper separately reviews the latest research in maize disease−resistance and insect−resistance genes. It systematically sorts out 33 cloned or identified disease−resistance genes together with their functional mechanisms, the interaction mechanisms between maize and microorganisms, the application and transformation of Bt (the mainstream insect−resistance gene) in maize, as well as its relevant environmental safety assessments. Particular emphasis is placed on the hotspots of gene mining in recent years: broad−spectrum and multi−disease resistance genes, as well as endogenous insect−resistance genes. On this basis, this paper discusses the necessity of disease− and insect− resistant breeding research for China's three major maize industries: grain maize, silage maize and fresh maize. It further proposes that targeted breeding improvement strategies including resistance resource excavation, molecular marker utilization, gene verification and taste evaluation should be formulated according to the differentiated development demands of each industry and regional characteristics of disease and pest occurrence. Accelerating the development and transformation of research achievements can enhance the risk resilience and market competitiveness of new varieties. This will provide a solid guarantee for the sustainable development of the maize industry.